Pastor's Corner: Buying our freedom

We just finished celebrating Independence Day, a special day that inspires us to think about freedom: what is it, how do we achieve it, how do we walk in it and preserve it and so forth. In the natural realm, freedom is purchased with blood, sweat and tears. Many lives have been lost, countless trenches have been dug, and numerous heart-wrenching sacrifices have been made, from the frontlines to the home front throughout the history of our country. Freedom is costly.

Which war took the highest toll in American lives lost? Did you guess Viet Nam? World War II? Actually, it was the Civil War! Just think: Americans fighting each other. But an important cause was at stake, i.e., emancipating the slaves. History shows, however, that freedom did not come easily in spite of the war’s outcome. Some slaves didn’t hear the message until quite some time after the war ended. Others heard but weren’t sure whether to believe the news because they weren’t able to read the documents for themselves. In some cases, the plantation owners deceived the slaves in order to keep them in servitude. Still others knew they had been freed but didn’t have the finances to pack up, move away and start a new life. Or they may not have had the job skills needed to work elsewhere. Talk about a challenging transition! “I’m no longer a slave? Really? That’s good news but what should I do now?” Thankfully, some made the change very well and began a new life for themselves and a new legacy for their family.

We see similar issues in the spiritual realm. Jesus shed His blood to purchase our freedom. The sinless One became sin that we might “become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and enjoy continual fellowship with the Father, Son and Spirit, now and for eternity. Because of His sacrifice we are saved, healed (spirit, soul and body) and delivered from all forms of bondage. And He wants us to “stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” (Galatians 5:1)

Unfortunately, some of us struggle with the same issues the slaves were dealing with. Not everyone has heard the good news that Jesus purchased our freedom. Some have heard but they haven’t read the documents (God’s Word) for themselves and therefore aren’t certain what their freedom entails in all its fullness. Others have heard and read but may be deceived by the enemy of their soul with regard to various aspects of this new life. Some have read the verses about being a new creation, being a saint, being a king and a priest but wonder if that is truly their new identity. Then there are those who aren’t yet aware of all the resources available to them. For example, what are the implications of having the Holy Spirit reside within us, with the understanding that we have the fruit of the Spirit operating in our lives and we can exercise the gifts of the Spirit, as well?

In the natural realm our freedom is costly to obtain and also costly to maintain. For example, these days millions of eligible voters don’t go to the polls. Our government “of the people, by the people and for the people” is in jeopardy if too many citizens drop out of the process (this is just one of many issues involved in maintaining a free society, of course). So also in the spiritual realm, we bear some responsibility for maintaining the freedom Jesus bought for us. For instance, one of the most freeing things we can do is choose to forgive those who have hurt or offended us. If you are carrying spiritual baggage of any kind, I encourage you to talk it over with the Lord, release it, and revel in the freedom that results from your decision. If you are struggling with that, find someone you trust to pray about it with you. Although the Fourth of July has passed for this year, we can still think about the issue of freedom in our country and in our spiritual lives. Best wishes for an enjoyable remainder of the summer!

Brian and Vicki Barrows

Abundant Life Ministries